Basildon

Basildon is a large town in Essex with a population of 183,000. Originally four villages - Pitsea, Laindon, Basildon and Vange - it became a new town after the Second World War to ease congestion in London and replace housing stock destroyed in the Blitz. Basildon's location near the capital means it is popular with commuters. In the 80s and 90s it was often considered a barometer of public opinion at elections and home to a type of aspirational working class voter labelled "Basildon man" or "Essex man".